"Research Assistant"

• Unique niche in contemplative and meditation research / Broad applied mental health and wellbeing focus / Warm, diverse, international team culture
• Join us as a Research Assistant and help shape evidence-based contemplative approaches that support mental health and wellbeing.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity
In this Research Assistant role, you will drive innovative contemplative and mental health research at the Contemplative Studies Centre.
You will develop broad research skills while collaborating with diverse scholars, practitioners and communities worldwide.
You will gain rare exposure to meditation traditions, stakeholder consultation and longitudinal contemplative science projects.

What you will deliver:

• Design and program surveys and study materials, and manage accurate, secure research data and project documentation.
• Coordinate day-to-day management of research, including participant enrolment, communication and timely resolution of technical issues.
• Support data analysis using appropriate data cleaning and statistical techniques, contributing to interpretation and reporting of findings.
• Liaise with meditation tradition representatives, contractors and collaborators to support co-designed, culturally informed research activities.
• Contribute to plain-language summaries, manuscripts and other outputs that share research insights with academic and public audiences.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold an Honours degree in behavioural or social sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Bring experience conducting or assisting with quantitative research, including data collection, management, communication with participants, and basic statistical testing.
• Demonstrate strong organisational skills, managing multiple tasks, deadlines and stakeholders with careful attention to detail.
• Use Microsoft Word and Excel confidently, and quickly learn new digital tools and research platforms.
• Ideally offer experience with qualitative research, R, Python or Javascript, and survey platforms such as Qualtrics.
• Show curiosity about contemplative practices and their applications to mental health, wellbeing and human flourishing.

Please note: this position is targeted at candidates whose highest qualification is an Honours degree in behavioural or social sciences, or a closely related discipline, or a Master’s degree.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

Your new team – Contemplative Studies Centre
You will join the Contemplative Studies Centre, embedded within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences.
Our lively, international team brings together researchers, students and practitioners to investigate contemplative practices and wellbeing.
Working in a collaborative open-plan space, you will enjoy rich cross-disciplinary interactions, support and social connection.

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
• Please upload your responses to the Selection Criteria, found in the Position Description.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Dr Julieta Galante. Email: julieta.galante@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Vanessa Phan at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').